JAMMU: The School of Management at the Model Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), Jammu, organised a session under its Leadership Talk Series featuring Dharmender Khajuria, Head of Network Partnerships at Bharti Airtel, at the Sh. H.L. Gupta Auditorium on its Kot Bhalwal campus.
Khajuria, a corporate leader with over three decades of experience in the telecommunications and digital industries, interacted with students on preparing for a professional landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, global competition and evolving career opportunities.
Drawing on his professional journey, he encouraged students to embrace uncertainty, strengthen their capabilities and commit to continuous learning. Emphasising that “your degree is the starting point, not a lifetime guarantee,” he urged them to develop critical thinking, curiosity, effective communication, adaptability and relationship-building skills alongside academic qualifications.
Highlighting AI’s growing role in the workplace, Khajuria described technology as an enabler for those willing to learn and use it effectively. He also stressed the importance of discipline, focused attention and purposeful action in an increasingly distracted world.
On career development and leadership, he advised students to strengthen their fundamentals, take ownership of responsibilities, move beyond their comfort zones and build a strong personal brand. He also underlined the need to understand customers, analyse competitors and create meaningful value in a competitive business environment.
Summing up his message with the advice, “Don’t chase careers; build capabilities,” Khajuria encouraged students to invest time in learning, develop professional relationships, translate ideas into practical projects and take informed risks. He also urged them to remain curious, stay humble enough to start afresh and show the courage to undertake challenging assignments.
The session provided students with insights into future readiness and highlighted the importance of combining technological proficiency with leadership, adaptability and character.
The event was attended by Prof. Ankita Nanda, Head of the School of Management; Prof. Atul Bargotra, Head of the Department of Commerce; faculty members and students. A memento was presented to Khajuria by Prof. Ajay Khajuria, Professor of Practice, School of Management. Dr. Amanpreet Kaur, Assistant Professor, School of Management, coordinated the proceedings.
The programme reaffirmed MIET’s commitment to industry–academia engagement and experiential learning by connecting students with experienced industry professionals and equipping them with practical perspectives on leadership, career development and success in a rapidly evolving world.
